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Council moves to begin negotiations on 5234 Hester Road affordable housing with Empower Me Living
Summary
City council accepted the Housing Advisory Commission recommendation to advance Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources to negotiate development and purchase agreements for an affordable, neuro-inclusive housing project at 5234 Hester Road.
City Council on May 20 approved a resolution accepting the Housing Advisory Commission’s recommendation to work with Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources on a proposed development at 5234 Hester Road and authorized the city manager to begin negotiations on development and purchase agreements.
Jessica (staff member) told council the city issued a request for proposals in January 2025 and received four submissions. Staff and the Housing Advisory Commission selected two finalists, Empower Me Living and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, after interviewing top applicants and reviewing follow-up information. The commission recommended Empower Me Living and its partner Inclusive Housing Resources.
Representatives from Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources presented the proposal to council. Emily Kendall (co-founder, Empower Me Living) described the project’s purpose as increasing housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other community members. Gina Ghem, CEO of Inclusive Housing Resources, said her organization has experience providing rental housing and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and would help monitor long-term affordability.
The proposal presented to council showed a preliminary plan for up to 16 units sized roughly 400 to 800 square feet using a “kit of parts” modular design to lower cost and allow customization. The proponents said they would reserve four units specifically for adults with IDD and include mechanisms to preserve affordability over a long period, including a land- or landominium association for common-area maintenance and a possible right-of-first-refusal or similar mechanism that would allow Inclusive Housing Resources or another entity to maintain control of resale to preserve affordability.
Councilmembers asked several clarifying questions about long-term affordability, oversight, unit size and site access for emergency vehicles. Staff and proponents said the council vote authorizes the city manager to begin negotiations on a development agreement; it does not approve final planning, zoning, or construction. Proponents and staff indicated the long-term affordability would likely be tied to funding sources and could be set for 15 years or longer; the proponents said they are seeking mechanisms to preserve affordability as long as practicable.
Councilmembers expressed support for maximizing unit count while meeting safety and code requirements and asked staff to pursue development-agreement terms that protect long-term affordability. The resolution passed by voice vote; the motion and second were not recorded by name in the transcript.
Next steps: staff will begin negotiations with Empower Me Living and Inclusive Housing Resources on development and purchase agreements and will return to council with proposed terms, funding sources, and any required planning or zoning approvals.
